Premier League champions Liverpool are real contenders to sign Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, with Jurgen Klopp pushing for a deal.
The 22-year-old is arguably the most coveted young footballer in the world, having already scored 137 senior club goals in 219 appearances. Named second best forward in the world in 90 minutes Welcome to the world class playoffs, he has won four Ligue 1 titles so far and is only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final.
Adding to Mbappe’s appeal is the fact that his contract will expire in the summer of 2021.
Real Madrid have long been tipped to replace the forward if / when they decide to leave PSG, while Liverpool – now backed by sponsor Mbappe Nike – have been touted as another possible destination.
According to CANAL + journalist Geoffroy Garetier, Liverpool are a serious option for Mbappe.
He claims Reds boss Klopp “squeezed” Mbappe’s inner circle to convince him to move on to the 2019 Champions League winners.
Liverpool’s secret weapon
Garetier adds that Fabinho could be “the secret weapon” to convince Mbappe to swap Paris for Merseyside, due to the couple’s relationship since their days together in Monaco.
Fabinho has apparently spoken about Anfield and Klopp’s impact on his game to his former teammate.
Garetier also suggested the call for Liverpool as a project for Mbappe, where he would be both the team’s superstar and a place where he could develop his game.
The French superstar sparked rumors in 2020 when he praised the Reds in interviews with the British press.
Real Madrid’s position on Mbappe
Real Madrid, however, have long been pointed out as Mbappe’s dream club and Madrid’s other big daily Marca, meanwhile, insist the 13-time European champions will go after their goal again this past. summer, after being made to miss it back in 2017.
Marca says the decision for PSG is ‘clear’ either they will convince Mbappe to sign a contract extension this summer or they will sell him for around € 150m (£ 135m) to avoid losing a huge asset worth free in one year. time.
Due to Madrid’s difficult financial situation caused by the pandemic, however, they would have to sell to buy.
Vinicius Junior has already been named as a possible compromise in a deal if Madrid press for Mbappe, while Marca added that Raphael Varane and Casemiro could also be used in a partial swap deal.
The addition of Mbappe further enhances the best attacks in the world. ?
Which team would benefit the most? pic.twitter.com/yhRj6IWdPp
– 90min (at 90min_Football) September 23, 2020
Sergio Ramos’ precarious future could also have a say with the club’s captain’s contract this summer as he refuses to accept a pay cut.
Despite the confidence that Los Blancos will being in the race for Mbappe anyway, Marca’s article calls it “an almost impossible operation.”
Liverpool’s finances
It should be noted at this point that Liverpool’s finances after the pandemic are unlikely to be much brighter than Real Madrid’s, making it difficult to find a € 150million reserve (plus salaries and agents’ fees).
Income is said to have fallen 8% this year, while the lack of movement in the January transfer window to sign a new center-back may have been an indication of owners’ inability to spend at the moment.
Commenting on Mbappe’s situation and the possibility of a deal with Liverpool, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano told Anfield Watch: “If we were back in a normal situation we can certainly start talking about Liverpool and Real Madrid taking steps for Kylian Mbappe, if he will not extend his contract with PSG.
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– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 27, 2021
“[Liverpool would be] spend, in my opinion, over 150 million euros and pay Mbappe a huge salary.
“The salary would be, I think, around € 20million after tax per season for Kylian Mbappe.
“It would be like signing a new player every season. It would be really difficult in this kind of situation with the pandemic. It would be impossible for all clubs.
Mauricio Pochettino says Mbappe is “happy and engaged”
Speaking on Mbappe’s future, PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was confident his star man would sign a new contract.
He said, via Eurosport: “There are a lot of rumors, but I think he will be at PSG for many years to come, and that is the club’s hope.
“We are counting on him for as long as we are here. It’s true he has to make a decision [on his future], but he seems happy and very committed to this project. “
